In another awesome display of consistent and reliable rocket launch propulsion, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and RD AMROSS successfully propelled a critical U.S. government satellite into orbit. The spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine, and the upper-stage is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 engine. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

“There’s a great sense of pride knowing the RL10 engine plays a vital role in providing capabilities in support of national defense,” said Christine Cooley, RL10 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “We’re tremendously proud of the RL10 engine, which has set the bar in upper stage propulsion with its demonstrated performance and reliability. In this business, there are no second chances.”

“The RD-180 has once again demonstrated its magnificent strength and reliable performance in boosting this critical payload for the U.S. government, and we look forward to continuing to support the needs of our customer on future missions,” said Bill Parsons, president and CEO of RD AMROSS.

The Atlas V Centaur upper-stage is powered by a single RL10A4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. The Atlas V Common Core booster is powered by the RD-180 engine and delivers nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. The RD-180 is fueled by kerosene/liquid oxygen mixture, provides an environmentally-clean operation, and uses an extremely efficient, high-pressure staged combustion cycle.